1. For best results, prewash bedding before dyeing. This removes any manufacturer’s finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.

Dyeing in a container

1. fill large container with enough hot water (140F) for the bedding to move freely. Note: If water is not hot enough, heat some water in a cook pot to boiling and add to dye container.
2. Dye Preparation: Shake dye bottle before pouring. Wearing rubber gloves, pour dye into the water. Then measure 1 cup salt dissolved with 2 cups hot water; add to dye bath. (Salt helps to intensify the color.) Then add a squirt of dish washing liquid and stir well.
3. Test dye color to be sure you are satisfied. Dip swatch of white fabric or a paper towel into dye bath. If color is too light, add more dye.
4. Immerse wet bedding in dye bath and stir continuously for 20 minutes. Wearing rubber gloves, move bedding back and forth and up and down. This helps to ensure an even color. Tongs are also helpful for lifting. Continue to stir occasionally for 10 minutes or until desired color is achieved (up to one hour). The longer the clothes remain in the dye bath, the darker the color will be. Color will appear lighter when dry.
5. To help reduce color bleeding and improve color retention, treat bedding with Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before rinsing. Follow package instructions. Remove bedding from dye bath and squeeze out excess dye. Fill container 3 gallons hot water and add 4 tbsp of dye fixative; stir well. Immerse clothing item in fixative, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
6. Remove bedding and rinse in cold water until water begins to run clear. Then machine wash bedding with an old towel in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry. If desired, iron to remove excess wrinkles.

Dyeing in the washing machine

1. set water temperature to the hottest possible setting and a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes or longer. The longer the item is in the dye, the darker the color will be.
2. Wearing rubber gloves, mix the well-shaken liquid dye (we used 3 bottles of Marigold All-Purpose Liquid Dye) with 4 cups of very hot water in a large container. Stir well and set aside.
3. In a separate container, dissolve 1 cup of salt in 4 cups of very hot water. Set aside.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of dish detergent to the container of salt and water to help promote level dyeing.
5. Start the cycle.
6. Remove detergent cup from detergent tray.
7. Pour the dye solution into the dispenser.  Then, pour in the salt solution. Flush the dispenser thoroughly with 4 more cups of hot tap water.
8. Let the cycle run.
9. To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
10. Rewash item in warm water with mild detergent.  This will help even out the color.
11. To clean the washing machine: Using hot water and the “high” level setting, clean the washer with 1-2 cups of liquid bleach. Make sure to wipe around the inside of the lid and pour a little bleach through the internal dispenser as dyes can get into these areas. Fill washer to highest water level with the hottest water temperature setting. Add detergent and 2 cups chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 to 4 old towels.